PATS Telford in September is set to have a strong international presence with a growing number of pet buyers from abroad expected to attend the autumn showpiece.

The PATS team will have a stand at next week’s Interzoo show (May 8-11) in Nuremburg, Germany, where huge interest is expected to be shown in the UK’s No 1 pet trade exhibition.

The PATS stand at Interzoo is part of a strong UK exhibitor pavilion organised by PetQuip. The trade organisation’s’s team mans a UK pet industry information stand at the show where international visitors are able to find out more about the British pet industry, source innovative products and learn more about visiting PATS.

PATS will also be working closely with PetQuip to ensure the Telford exhibition has a real international feel to it.

Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Director General of PetQuip, recognises the importance of a major trade exhibition like PATS Telford. Here Amanda reveals why she thinks the show has become so popular, both in the UK and internationally.

How important is a pet trade exhibition like PATS Telford to the UK pet market?

PATS is an essential event in the UK pet industry calendar. It’s an excellent opportunity for suppliers and retailers across the pet industry to meet and network and it is an order-placing show for many.

Is there a growing interest from international buyers in British-made pet products?

International interest in PATS is increasing, with several trade journalists from European countries visiting it in recent years and more and more international retailers are also realising that the exhibition provides them with the chance to source high quality products and a wide ranging choice of suppliers, plus innovative new product launches too.

How will PetQuip be helping to entice international visitors to the Telford exhibition?

PetQuip is pleased to be working closely with the PATS organisers for the third year running to invite selected international buyers to the exhibition. We have an extensive database of international buyers who enjoy working with our PetQuip team and who admire their professionalism. Many of the buyers frequently state that it would be good to have a similar service in their home countries.

What activity will PetQuip be engaged in at the show?

We will be providing the facilities of the Buyers’ Centre on the show floor, arranging one-to-one buyer/supplier meetings during the show, helping the international buyers with all their product sourcing enquiries, organising an escorted retail tour for them round a range of pet product retailers and hosting their attendance at the PetQuip Awards dinner and party, where they will also find out the winners of the PATS New Product Awards.

We will also be engaging with our PetQuip member companies and helping them with any and every business enquiry they may have, taking sales leads and enquiries on the stand and signing up more members to our growing membership.

How do the ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions work?

Firstly, we recruit appropriate international buyers to attend the exhibition and ask them which product areas they are interested in sourcing; then we ask interested suppliers to get in touch if they wish to meet with those buyers. If both firms are keen to meet to explore possible business opportunities, we draw up a matrix of one-to-one meetings during the show. Then the PetQuip team is on hand afterwards to help advise on the best way to convert that interest into new business. It works well and on past form, a large number of new business sales are made as a result of these valuable meetings.

Are you pleased that you decided to organise the PetQuip Awards alongside the September exhibition?

We are a loyal supporter of PATS and applaud the organisers for putting on a professional, successful exhibition at Telford. So it’s great for the PetQuip team to work together with the PATS team to deliver a professional, enjoyable and successful networking evening event for the whole industry where suppliers and retailers can mix, network, have fun and celebrate the industry’s many successes. That’s why for the second year, we are pleased that the PATS New Product Awards are also being presented to an audience which is a true cross-section of the UK pet product supply and retail sector.

How can companies enter the awards?

Entry for the PetQuip Awards 2018 is now open in the following categories (companies can enter as many applicable categories as they like as it’s free to enter):

Tickets to the awards evening are modestly priced and include a drinks reception, three course meal with wine and entertainment in the form of a casino to give more networking opportunities following the awards presentations. More details on how to book tickets for the awards evening are also to be found on the same web page (PetQuip members receive a discount on tickets) or you can phone the office on 01959 565995 to book your tickets or tables.

Finally, what do you think makes PATS Telford a ‘must-visit’ event for pet retailers and buyers?

It’s friendly, professional; there’s a wide range of suppliers across the spectrum of pet products for retailers to meet; plus product innovation is highlighted and celebrated at the show; and there’s the opportunity at the PetQuip awards event to mix with fellow retailers and suppliers at a great party on the first night too!